Breast Implant Illness in Weston, FL
In recent years, women have increasingly reported a variety of symptoms after undergoing breast augmentation. Breast implant illness (BII) is the term used by many women to describe the symptoms they believe are directly related to the saline or silicone breast implants placed during their augmentation surgery.
Breast implant removal surgery, or explantation, (a secondary breast augmentation procedure) is an option for women experiencing symptoms related to breast implant illness. While there is no current medical evidence to prove the symptoms are caused by breast implants, many women have their breast implants removed and experience relief from their symptoms.
If you are experiencing BII symptoms and wish to have your implants removed, it is important to know all of your options. A consultation with Dr. Messa will help you understand the safest and most effective options for implant removal.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?
Women who self-identify with breast implant illness describe having one or more of the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Rash
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Brain fog
- Sleep disturbance
- Autoimmune issues
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if you:
- Are unhappy with breast implants after breast augmentation surgery
- Are experiencing symptoms of BII that you believe are related to your breast implants
- Are in generally good health
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit for several weeks before and after surgery
What Is the Consultation for Breast Implant Removal Like?
Dr. Messa will discuss your symptoms and your options for removal.
During the consultation, you will:
- Discuss your goals and concerns for implant removal
- Receive a physical examination by Dr. Messa
- Meet your surgical team
- Discuss your medical history and any previous surgeries
If Dr. Messa determines that you are a good candidate for breast implant removal, you will be provided with a surgical plan, financial information, and how to prepare for the removal.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost in Weston, FL?
The cost of breast implant removal surgery will depend on your specific needs. Some factors that contribute to the price of the surgery are the surgeon’s fees, the techniques used for implant removal, and anesthesia fees.
Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center offers a variety of financing options. Please contact our office to learn more about pricing information.
Would you like to learn more about breast implant illness? Call Dr. Messa at 954-659-7760 or 877-250-8117 to set up a consultation.
How Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery Done?
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explantation, removes the breast implants from breast augmentation patients with capsulectomy performed simultaneously.
Incision Placement
The incision technique used during breast implant removal will be based on the patient’s individual needs. The incision from your primary surgery will be used, if possible. A common placement for an incision is along the fold of your lower breast (the inframammary fold). During your consultation, Dr. Messa will discuss your incision options.
Implant Removal
After the incision is made, Dr. Messa will remove the breast implants and capsules. If needed, the shape and size of your breasts may also be revised with breast lift surgery to restore perky, youthful breasts. After implant removal, the breast tissue is repositioned to provide an auto-augmentation to improve the breast shape. Autologous fat transfer can also be performed at the same time to restore lost breast volume.
Capsule Removal
A total capsulectomy may be the best course of action to remove all causative agents of BII. This involves removal of the tissue capsule that naturally forms around the implants after they are inserted.The capsulectomy is performed “en bloc,” especially in cases involving textured implant devices, ruptured implants and in patients with symptoms attributed to BII when technically feasible. It is important for BII patients to be aware that a total capsulectomy is not always possible, and some capsule tissue may remain on the chest wall if it cannot be safely removed. The capsule tissue is sent to pathology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I have my breast implants removed?
You should have your breast implants removed if you are unhappy with how they look or how they make you feel. Some women remove their implants because they are no longer satisfied with how they look, whereas others have their implants removed because it is believed they are responsible for a variety of symptoms associated with breast implant illness.
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Is breast implant illness real?
Breast implant illness and the symptoms patient’s experience are real. A woman’s autoimmune response to breast implants depends on numerous variables within their individual adaptive and innate immune systems. Unfortunately, more research needs to be conducted to identify women at risk for BII. Many studies have been done that show few to no links between breast implants and any disease. Although breast implant illness is not an official medical diagnosis, that does not mean that the symptoms reported by women are not real. There are many possible explanations for these symptoms. Many of these symptoms are common among the general public and may have no relation to the breast implants.
For more information about this, read our blog about breast implant illness.
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Will a breast implant removal cure my breast implant illness?
Breast implant removal and capsulectomy may not relieve a patient’s symptoms. However, many women report their symptoms being eliminated or subsiding after having their implants removed. In a prospective review of over 100 patients with BII treated by Dr. Messa, symptoms improved in approximately 85 percent of patient’s after explantation and capsulectomy.
It is important to be aware that there is no guarantee you will be relieved of your symptoms following removal surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Messa will discuss your individual concerns and potential for symptom resolution. -
How common is breast implant illness?
It is currently unknown exactly how many women suffer from breast implant illness. However, reports have become more common in recent years. This is believed to be due to the amount of awareness and information circling the internet and social media.
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What are the risks of breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal surgery is a generally safe procedure with little risk. However, there are risks that come with any surgery. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia risks
- Poor healing of incisions
- Loss of nipple or areola sensation
- Breast contour irregularities
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Is breast implant removal painful?
During your procedure, general anesthesia will be administered by a board certified anesthesiologist to ensure your comfort and safety. You may have discomfort throughout the healing process, but pain medication will be prescribed as needed.
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What does recovery look like after breast implant removal?
Your breasts will be sore and bruised for a few days following surgery. You may be in some pain, but pain medication will be prescribed to ensure your comfort. Many believe that recovery from breast implant removal is easier and less painful than breast augmentation surgery. You will need to take some time off work to rest and recover. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a few weeks.
Want to Learn More About Breast Implant Removal?
If you wish to have your breast implants removed in Weston, FL, please call Dr. Messa’s office at 954-659-7760 or 877-250-8117. You may also reach us by filling out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your implant removal goals.
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